Portland Factory Provides Grist For Clinton Campaign

PORTLAND — Times are pretty good at Standard-Knapp, where workers are putting in overtime these days to keep up with orders for packaging machinery from the the food and beverage industry.

But, while the wolf may not be knocking at the employee-owned plant's gate, plenty of workers there know someone who's suffered during the current recession.

"I'm working. I've been one of the lucky ones. But I've seen too many family members and friends without jobs," said Frank Jenkins of Middletown, a 24-year company employee.

It was those conflicting themes -- the success of an employee-owned company and trying economic times -- that Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, tried to play on during a 50-minute visit Tuesday to the Main Street factory, which sits in the shadow of the Arrigoni Bridge.

"I wanted to come here because I was so impressed with the story of how this company was revitalized with a partnership between labor and management, with employee ownership, with the kind of spirit that our country needs to compete and win in the 21st century," said Clinton, standing in front of the 357 Orbitron, a newly developed packaging machine for plastic soda bottles.

Clinton went on to propose a strategy to shore up the nation's manufacturing base with investment tax credits and the creation of manufacturing extension centers to help companies develop and make new products.

Standard-Knapp's 170 workers, most of whom are members of the machinists union, gathered in Plant 2, an old, one-story structure where machines are assembled, to listen to Clinton's 26-minute speech.

A few took seats on the 930 Bottle Packer, converting the green, metal packaging machine into an upper-level bleacher. Powerful exhaust fans had been turned off to cut down on noise, and the smaller ceiling fans were no match for the hot television lights and humid weather.

Before the speech, some workers said they planned to vote for

Clinton, while others said they were undecided. A few favored President Bush, while some were skeptical about anything a politician says before an election.

The economy was the paramount issue to most, and Bush's performance, rather than Clinton's promises, seemed to have the most influence on their opinions.

"I think [Clinton] can only do better than Bush. I'm basically going on Bush's track record," said Valerie Otfinoski, 42, who works in the parts and service division.

Bob Hein, 44, a sheet-metal mechanic, said he voted for Bush in 1988, but has been disappointed with the president's domestic agenda and may switch allegiance this year.

"It's perceived on the floor that we feel [the company is] doing good in spite of Bush, instead of because of him. I feel we might be doing better under Clinton," he said.

Despite the company's success, workers said they know things could get worse. Just a year ago, with orders down, Standard-Knapp laid off about 50 workers. With increased orders from industry giants such as Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola and Campbell's, some have been rehired.

"Our days as an employee-owned company have not been without struggle," President Art Tanner said. He said Clinton's references to finding solutions that are neither liberal nor conservative mirrors the company's approach to problems.

"We sit down with the union and say, `Here's the problem. What do we do?' " Tanner said. "What's it going to take for us to be successful?"

Clinton's speech, in which the candidate emphasized the themes of partnership and technological development, struck a chord with workers, who take pride in the nearly 100-year-old company, which they bought in 1984. Its logo says that it is "an EMPLOYEE Owned Company."

"I was very impressed with his speech. We have failed to support the manufacturing base," said Production Manager Roy Phillips.

Before the speech, Phillips had predicted a Bush victory and questioned whether Clinton as president would be poised under pressure.

"If it wasn't for the economy, [Bush] would be a hero," he said, before Clinton arrived.

Despite the serious tone of the speech, the mood was festive and workers said they were excited about seeing a presidential contender. After the speech, Clinton walked a gantlet of workers and reporters inside and outside the building. He shook the hands and answered the questions thrust at him.

"You help me now, will you?" Clinton said, signing an autograph.

Clinton, who was behind schedule after stopping at St. John's School in Middletown, also complied with the company custom of contributing a dollar to the coffee and doughnut fund for a tardy arrival. He gave his money to Mary Ann Maturo, the company's manager of accounting.

"I got his dollar," Maturo said. "I'm going to frame this."

After Clinton's departure, workers slowly made their way back to their posts on the shop floor.